Right angle transfer

Abstract

A right angle transfer and method of transferring articles includes a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface and are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction and a plurality of diverting members. The diverting members are driven to divert objects at an angle from the conveyance surface. A frame mounts the diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to the conveying members. A lifting system including a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators selectively raises and lowers the frame with respect to the conveying members. Each of the vertical actuators may include a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive the frame to both a raised state and a lowered state. The diverting members may be driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A right angle transfer, comprising:
 a plurality of conveying members that define a conveyance surface that are driven to convey objects in a conveyance direction; 
 a plurality of diverting members that are driven to divert objects at an angle from said conveyance surface; 
 a frame that mounts said diverting members for general vertical movement with respect to said conveying members; and 
 a lifting system, said lifting system comprising a plurality of spaced apart vertical actuators that are adapted to selectively raise and lower said frame with respect to said conveying members, wherein each of said vertical actuators comprising a cylinder that is positively driven in each of opposite directions by application of a fluid to opposite sides of the cylinder in order to positively drive said frame to both a raised state and a lowered state wherein each of said vertical actuators includes a motion damping member to dampen oscillation from the motion of said cylinder. 
 
     
     
       2. The transfer as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said damping member comprises a spring. 
     
     
       3. The transfer as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of said vertical actuators comprises a bushing sliding along a shaft. 
     
     
       4. The transfer as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said frame is rectilinear in footprint and including one of said vertical actuators at each corner of said frame. 
     
     
       5. The transfer as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said diverting members are driven prior to being vertically moved into contact with an article being diverted. 
     
     
       6. The transfer as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said diverting members are constantly driven. 
     
     
       7. The transfer as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said diverting members comprise driven rollers. 
     
     
       8. The transfer as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said diverting members are driven by a motorized roller having a motor mechanism internal to a roller shell. 
     
     
       9. The transfer as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said conveying members comprise driven belts. 
     
     
       10. The transfer as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said conveying members are driven by a motorized roller having a motor mechanism internal to a roller shell. 
     
     
       11. The transfer as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said fluid comprises compressed air.